Sonangol Eyes Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production in Angola as Bio-Refinery Plans Advance
Angola’s national oil company, Sonangol, is evaluating the potential to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) domestically, following a scientific study that identified favourable conditions for developing a local SAF industry.
The assessment was conducted by researchers from Sonangol’s Research and Development Centre (CPD) and Sonangol Refining and Petrochemicals (SNL R&P).
The findings indicate that Angola could support SAF production through its availability of biomass, renewable energy potential and existing refining infrastructure.
Joaquim Quiteculo, President of the Executive Committee of Sonangol Refining and Petrochemicals, said the initiative could gain further momentum through the development of a planned bio-refinery in Luanda.
According to Quiteculo, the facility would process non-fossil-based feedstocks, including waste vegetable oils and other biological materials, to produce sustainable fuels.
Luanda Bio-Refinery Could Support SAF Production
The proposed bio-refinery is expected to play a role in Angola’s efforts to diversify its energy sector while developing lower-carbon fuel alternatives.
In addition to SAF, the facility is expected to have the capacity to produce biodiesel using feedstocks such as vegetable oils, animal fats and other resources available from Angola’s petrochemical industry.
Quiteculo said the project could benefit from existing industrial equipment and infrastructure, reducing the need to develop all components from scratch.
The planned facility is expected to have a processing capacity of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with implementation estimated at around 24 months once the project proceeds.
Sonangol has also been working with international partners on the development of biofuel opportunities in Angola.
Eni has previously confirmed that studies were underway for a Luanda bio-refinery focused primarily on SAF production.
Study Identifies Potential SAF Pathways
The scientific study, titled Assessment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production Technologies: From Technological Maturity to Implementation Potential in Angola, was published in the South African Journal of Chemical Engineering.
The research examines major SAF production technologies and identifies options considered most suitable for Angola’s circumstances. It recommends a phased approach, beginning with more technologically mature solutions before progressing towards advanced synthetic fuel technologies.
The approach is intended to align with Angola’s National Biofuels Strategy and the country’s broader commitments to reducing emissions from the aviation sector.
The researchers concluded that Angola’s combination of biomass resources, renewable energy potential and existing refining infrastructure provides a foundation for developing a domestic SAF industry.
Opportunity for Angola’s Aviation Sector
The development of local SAF production could become increasingly important as international aviation moves towards tighter decarbonisation requirements.
Quiteculo said domestic production could allow Angola to supply SAF to international airlines operating in the country while also creating an opportunity to participate in the growing global market for sustainable aviation fuels.
The initiative would also support Angola’s broader efforts to diversify its economy beyond conventional oil production by creating opportunities across agriculture, waste management, fuel processing, logistics and aviation.
For Sonangol, the SAF initiative represents a potential expansion into low-carbon fuels while leveraging existing expertise and infrastructure in refining and petrochemicals.
If developed commercially, the project could position Angola as an emerging SAF producer in Africa and establish a new link between the country’s energy, agricultural and aviation sectors.
